ed to the bears--

{JOSABET (_tries on the diadem_).}

Allow me, son, I do what I am ordered.

{JOAS.}

But from your lips I hear your sobs arise!
Princess, you weep, What pity touches you?
To-day presented as burnt offering
Am I, as formerly was Jeptha's daughter,
By my own death to appease the wrath of God?
Alas! a child has nought a father may
Not claim.

{JOSABET.}

Here's one will tell you of the will of Heaven;
Fear nothing. Let us leave these precincts.

{JOAD, JOAS.}

_( Joas running into the arms of the high-priest.)_

{JOAD.}
Well, my son?

{JOAS.}

What is it, pray, that they prepare?

{JOAD.}

'Tis right my son
I should inform you, even before all,
Of God's great ends o'er you and o'er His people.
Be armed with new fidelity and zeal!
'Tis time to show this ardour and this faith,
Which to the bottom of your heart my cares
Have cultivated; and to pay to God
The debt you owe Him. Do you feel this noble
And generous aspiration?

{JOAS.}

I feel prepared, if wished, to give my life.

{JOAD.}

You've oft heard read the history of our kings:
My son, do you remember what strict law
Must be imposed on him who takes the crown?

{JOAS.}

Thus God Himself declares that a wise king
Does not rely on riches and on gold;
But fears the Lord his God; and ever hath
Before him His stern judgments, precepts, laws,
And crusheth not his brethren with oppression.

{JOAD.}

But of our kings, if you must copy one,
Which, from your choice, my son, would you be like?

{JOAS.}

David, who full of loyal love to God,
Appears the type most perfect of great kings.

{JOAD.}

Then, in their riot, you'd not imitate
The faithless Joram, godless Ochoziah?

{JOAS.}

O my father!

{JOAD.}

Continue, say what you think.

{JOAS.}

Whoe'er resembles, may he die like them.

_(Joad prostrates himself at his feet)._

My father, in what state are you before me?

{JOAD.}

I render you the homage of my king.

{JOAS.}

Joas! me?

{JOAD.}

You know the signal grace by which
God, foiling the designs of a bad woman,
Already with her dagger in your breast,
H